Chalk Talk: Cowboys’ Three-Down Set Shines versus the Jayhawks

Oklahoma State’s defense generated nine tackles for loss in its 48-28 victory over Kansas, and although it was against lesser competition, the Cowboys were able to consistently generate pressure and secure their No. 1 spot in sacks for another week. One of the biggest factors in the Pokes’ success was their three-down personnel. OSU has used it throughout this early part of the season and it led to multiple negative plays for the defense against Kansas.

The Cowboys’ three-down set has been excellent in generating pressure in the pass rush. Here’s an example from the first quarter that results in a major sack.

The 0- and 4i-technique defensive linemen run to opposite sides of the center and the two linebackers twist off the right side of the center. The right guard gets confused, which allows Justin Phillips to rush untouched to the quarterback.

The three-down package has performed well in the run game as well. This came just one play prior.

Here they’re using a similar twist with the first and second level, but instead of the action generating pressure, it allows the defense to penetrate blockers and get to the running back. It’s also another example of star defensive lineman Jordan Brailford making an impact as a stand-up linebacker.

Brailford co-leads the country in sacks for a reason. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles moves Brailford all around. He got a sack in the fourth quarter rushing from the middle linebacker spot:

And got another sack in the fourth, moving from his spot in the middle to the edge before the snap:

It’s difficult for teams to account for assignments when the defense’s second-level players move a lot before the snap, and as our run example showed, it’s the same case with accounting for post-snap movement. The Cowboys have used three-down sets in previous years, but not like how Knowles is using it. OSU isn’t the first Big 12 team to incorporate three-down sets in their defense, as Iowa State and Texas were the first to start the trend, but the Cowboys have found a way to effectively use it and make it their own.